Our History

In the winter of 1992, Karen and Tom opened Rip N’ Willies with only 5 snowboards and 50 sets of skis in a 1,200-square-foot shop. They decided to venture out on their own with two main objectives: to rent top-quality equipment at affordable prices, and to provide the customer the best experience possible.



They believe those objectives have been met based on our repeat customers and referrals.

Cesar and Anda took over the shop in 2021, continuing what Karen and Tom built, which is a family in more ways than one. The shop still has the feel and look of an old-time ski shop but with a millennium essence as a 2,600-square-foot full-service rental and repair business.

We love what we do and hope that’s what comes across to our friends that come through the door, year after year. People come back not only because of our great prices and equipment but also because they have gotten to know us as their local rental shop.

Rip N’ Willies is an unusual name but it came out of the frenzy of the snowboarding craze that was happening in the early 90s. We wanted something different that could represent both a ski and a snowboard shop and we didn’t want to use the so-called “normal” ski shop names. We just wanted something unique but fun. After all, fun is what it’s all about!

As for the ski shop itself, it was built in 1948 as a residential home and was converted to an office in the early 70s. From there, it changed to a ski shop in 1979, and in 1992, it became what it is known as today, Rip N’ Willies Ski and Snowboard Shop. We have kept its quaint Tahoe feel inside and out. It has just grown a bit since 1948!

Hope to see you soon in the shop.